As if waking up for an 8 a.m. wasn’t bad enough, now we have to deal with waking up for our 8 a.m. classes in whopping 10 degree weather, and spoiler alert! The cold doesn’t make the process any easier.
I mean, it already took all of your energy to crawl out of bed and turn the alarm off, that you didn’t even think twice about throwing on the same pair of yoga pants you wore yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that and…should I even go on?
We’re not only stuck in an ice age, but we’re stuck in a mood of being too unmotivated, lazy, stressed and too cold to put together an outfit. Like, come on—what even are real clothes during the winter months?
But, being from the North and having to live through the coldest and roughest winters, it has taught me a thing or two about staying warm when the wind is whipping a cold chill down my spine.
All thanks to my Pinterest Boards, my closet and the fact that I’ve completely worn out my favorite yoga pants, I put together a list of clothing items that will make you look good, feel good and most importantly, stay warm.
So say goodbye to wearing the same old clothes, and say hello to a warm, chic winter ahead!
Colored Pants
Whether they’re red, yellow, pink or army green, different colored pants will spice your wardrobe up with very little effort. I’ve found that just by sliding on one of these bad boys, you already have an awesome outfit—not to mention that you might catch some flirty looks while walking around campus.
Bonus: Pants block the wind better than yoga pants or leggings!
White Jeans
Whoever said you can’t wear white after Labor Day is missing out. White jeans in the winter is not only original, but it’s easy too. White goes with every color and pattern and plus, it’s always fun breaking a rule or two!
Bonus: White Jeans look awesome with riding boots!
Oversized T-Shirts and Leggings
On days where you really want to be comfortable, it’s tough not to immediately want to wear your beloved leggings and a sweatshirt. But why not just trade that over worn sweatshirt in for an oversized graphic tee?
This look makes you look like you weren’t trying to put a lot of effort in to make a cute outfit, because you didn’t!
Bonus: Throw an oversized flannel into the mix to stay even warmer, and look even cuter!
Tights
Tights are honestly the perfect go-to staple item with every outfit. It makes your closet seem so much bigger and your options endless because you aren’t restricted to JUST your winter clothes.
With tights, you’re able to wear your favorite summer skirt, your favorite flowy black dress and even a pair of shorts! Also, you have tons of color options! My favorite are black, grey, nude/skin colored and purple.
Bonus: Not only do they come in different colors, but they come in different consistencies! You can wear thicker and darker pairs in the colder weather, and thinner and more see-through pairs in the warmer weather! Plus, you can also find tights in different patterns including a faint argyle pattern, polka dots and lace!
Leather Leggings
The coolest and warmest way to wear leggings is in leather! You’ll look hot while you rock them, whether it’s day or night. Dress them down during the day with some flats or booties, or dress them up at night with your favorite pumps! And you aren’t the only one who will enjoy the look and feel!
Bonus: You can find leather pants and leggings for a low price at your favorite stores, such as H&M and Forever 21!
Layers
One of the most logical ways to be warm while walking outside is to be like an onion with a lot of layers! It might take a bit more time and effort to pick an outfit out, but in return, you’ll be extra toasty on your way to class.
The best way to layer is to start with a thinner shirt, and then add a cardigan, vest, flannel or jacket you want to wear. You can also layer over-the-knee socks and leg warmers over tights and leggings. To add more of a flare; mix different fabrics together as well!
Bonus: Layering gives you more options from the items in your own closet! You can pull out your favorite bright, spring blouse and pair it with a sweater to add a little sunshine into the cloudy, winter days!
Layer #1:
Layer #2:
Layer #3:
Vests
Buying a vest and adding it to your wardrobe is a great investment! Not only are vests super cute and stylish, but they keep you warm. You can also wear them with any outfit.
Vests go well with flannels, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, dresses…the list goes on and on.
My personal favorite vest is my white fur vest, but there are vest options for any girl’s style. There are jean vests, extra-long vests, fringed vests, crocheted vests, leather vests, monogrammed vests and more.
Bonus: Vests don’t have to be washed after every use! Plus, you can wear them year-round!
Accessories:
Jewelry
Whenever I pick out my outfits, I have realized that adding a necklace, a pair earrings or a bracelet can spice up any drab outfit! Any piece of eye-candy can make for a perfect finishing touch.
Long necklaces and chunky necklaces are especially great for turning any plain, boring outfit into something more. So, even if you want to just wear your favorite pair of jeans, boots and white crew neck tee shirt; you can add some ice to your life and people will surely stare at your sparkle!
Bonus: You can repeat jewelry as often as you would like!
Hats and Mittens
Hats and gloves are winter’s favorite accessories, and this winter, they’re my favorite too! Obviously they keep you warm, but they keep you looking cute at the same time!
Knit headbands are this season’s cutest and warmest trend, especially if you pair them with a cute pair of mittens/gloves. The best option is to buy a pair of gloves without the tips of the fingers attached, so you can text and do other tasks while staying warm.
Bonus: Buying a good pair of gloves or a hat means that they will last you for many future winters to come!
Scarves
Do I even need to explain this glorious piece of cloth? Scarves come in different sizes, patterns, materials and colors, which help make you look presentable and put together, even when you just rolled out of bed and rushed to get ready. Adding a scarf to your outfit makes every outfit the perfect winter attire.
Bonus: Even though scarves can be worn year-round, you can always buy a season-specific scarf and match them to your hats and gloves, to make you warmer and more stylish!
Stay warm, stay chic and pray that spring comes sooner than expected!
Photo Credit: Sydney Whitman